Kenya to return toll stations in highways

NAIROBI, KENYA: The Government is shopping for advisers to help put up toll stations in four major roads across the country.

The advisers are required to work out modalities under Public Private Partnership (PPP) framework. The consultant will guide the Government how best to start charging users of Nairobi-Mombasa and Nairobi-Nakuru highways, Thika Superhighway and 28.6km Southern by-pass road.

Kenya National Highways Authority (KENHA), the autonomous road agency responsible for constructing, upgrading, rehabilitating and maintaining over 14,000km of class A, B, C roads said the four roads will be under toll charging model for a period of 30 years.

KENHA director general Misheck Kidenda said Government in conjunction with World Bank will soon be engaging the expert. He made the announcement during the launch of a tree planting exercise at the interchange of Southern by-pass and Ngong Road junction.

“Our expectation is that in not more than two years from now, contractors will start the toll charging project,” said Eng Kidenda.  The Mombasa-Nairobi Highway will have two toll stations, at Mariakani and at the Machakos turn off.

The Nairobi-Nakuru Highway will have three toll stations, at Rironi (Limuru), Naivasha and Lanet. In a Request for Expression of Interest on Friday last week, Treasury said it needed the services of a lead and financial advisor that will oversee the process.

The idea to introduce toll stations on the four roads was part of projects approved by the Cabinet early this year under the PPP arrangement. The transaction advisors, Kidenda explained, will carry out feasibility studies, design, outline toll charges, carry out survey of the stated roads, and advise on the legal and technical mechanism of achieving the same.

“Once the transition advisors complete their part, Government will initiate the process of tendering the projects.

Kidenda further complained that most sections of the road reserves have been encroached by members of the public and private developers.

Business
Premium Financial hardships dampen Easter celebrations among Kenyans
Business
Premium Water PS Korir put on the spot over Sh14m dam land
Business
Premium Looming crisis as top lenders stare at Sh500b in bad loans
Business
Premium Ruto's food security hopes facing storm amid fake fertiliser scam